Amazing Stories (TV Series) Gershwin's Trunk (1987) User Reviews

Gershwin's ghost

[sonnyschlaegel · 7/10 · 14 June 2007]

Jo-Jo Gillespie is a writer of musicals. He has murdered a man. Detective Watts is about to arrest him. In flashback, Jo-Jo tells Watts what led to the murder: Jo-Jo was suffering from writer's block and he had to deliver a new musical soon. His cleaner, Carmen, told him to visit 'Sister Teresa', 'World Renowned Psychic'. Jo-Jo asked Teresa for help. She changed into George Gershwin's ghost, who helped Jo-Jo by writing songs for him. The man Jo-Jo murdered had noticed that these songs are so much different in style from his previous work that they can't have been written by Jo-Jo himself, and he threatened to tell.

Jo-Jo is sure that the new musical will be a success and offers Watts a deal: he will get a share of the profits if he doesn't arrest him. Watts has some conditions: he wants 50 per cent of the profits, and the musical has to be a (financial) success...

I liked this episode, especially the music (for example the song 'Balboa thought it was terrific, when he discovered the Pacific...'). I also liked the twist in the end and the stylish sets and costumes.

I liked it almost as much as 'Secret Cinema' (#1.20), also written or co-written and directed by Paul Bartel (he's also a supporting actor in both episodes). The stories also have something more in common: they are both farcical in style. I liked 'Secret Cinema' a bit better because I think that the story is more interesting and that it has better jokes. But, as I've said before, I liked this one almost as much, so it still deserves seven points in my opinion.

Silly and a bit dumb instead of interesting and clever

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 24 June 2015]

When the show begins, a detective (Paul Bartel) confronts a famous songwriter, Jo-Jo (this oddly named guy is played by Bob Balaban). It seems he saw Jo-Jo dumping a body in the river! But instead of taking him to jail, the two talk a bit and the detective obviously has ulterior motives--to blackmail Jo-Jo. After all, the killer is famous and he could afford to pay him off to keep his mouth shut.

What follows is Balaban's story about his muse. After breaking up with his partner and growing to hate each other, he was stumped in creating his next Broadway show--and so he consulted Sister Theresa (terribly overplayed by Lainie Kazan) and she helps him channel the spirit of George Gershwin to write his next hit show. Unfortunately, there is a twist.

This episode of "Amazing Stories" is a great example of a story that could have been exciting and done quite well, such as if it had been filmed for "The Twilight Zone". But, as usual, "Amazing Stories" chooses to be obvious, loud and not the least bit subtle. A sad misfire.

Bob Balaban Gets His

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 30 May 2014]

Bob Balaban, who I've always enjoyed for his nerdy invasiveness, plays a composer of stage musicals who has committed a murder. He has split with his partner to go the Broadway thing alone. The sad thing is that he isn't that talented. The other guy was the real genius and was probably lucky to be rid of our hero. The story is told in flashbacks after a police detective has viewed his throwing a body off a bridge. He has also confiscated an inscribed pen that was left at the scene. Now, in flashback, we find out that while he is blocked in composing, he listens to his maid, who suggests he visit a medium she knows. He goes there (his wife has left him in the meantime) and she is able to bring forth the spirit of George Gershwin, who is his hero. Gershwin writes him a series of really good songs and his musical is coming together. His business partner suspects someone else is writing the show and confronts him. Balaban strikes him with a candelabra and kills him. Now we are back to present. A huge blood stain on the carpet and the police detective listening. The story is nicely set up and the conclusion is really neat. Watching Balaban squirm is worth seeing this.

I need to make a correction

[peng88 · 9/10 · 26 January 2014]

OK first off, I have seen this episode and liked it very much. Particularly, I liked the music. (the score was good, but I am primarily talking about the song I DISCOVERED YOU.) After 1/2 an hour of muddling through IMDb's myriad of FAQS, I could not find a way to alert them to a very glaring error. And it involves the ACTUAL composer and writer of that song. His name is NOT John Mayer and he is not dead yet. (as far as I know)His name is John Meyer, and he IS listed as one of the writers, but he also composed the song. When I first heard it, I could have sworn it was Sondheim. Proof you say? Well John has an album out with THAT song (I bought it on I-Tunes,it's good, though I wish there was the Amazing Stories version available) Also there is an article in the New York Times where Meyer describes his battles with Gershwin's widow during that episode. Google him.Second off, if anyone knows who the singers are in that song, the information would be greatly appreciated. IMDb lists Sheryl Lee Ralph as a singer. It is possible. She also sings (and amazingly so) on the MIGHTY QUINN soundtrack. But I seem to recall the singer was white and Sheryl is black...